2012 Awards. Eye Cream and Launch of the Year. Eysilix, Hydraluron and Indeed Labs.

I didn't get on with Nanoblur and could never be bothered with Peptalash (just one more thing to do too far - you know?) but Indeed Labs redeemed themselves completely with these two products this year.

Eysilix is essentially every eye cream you ever bought, with added peptides, all wrapped up together for £24.99, as opposed to some of the more ridiculously priced eye creams on the market at the moment. It contains 10 peptides, which doesn't always mean anything but in this formulation, for me, they work. I've noticed if I stop using it my dark circles are worse - it doesn't fix them permanently, if you stop using any cream they will come back - but it does help them on a day-to-day basis when I am using it.

No surprises for my Launch of the Year.

Hydraluron has basically been in my routine since I wrote this review when it launched. Nothing has changed, I still use it daily - most of the time 2 x a day. I've lost count of how many tubes I've used. It has absolutely helped keep breakouts at bay and my pretty much permanently dehydrated skin loves it. 

Eysilix and Hydraluron are my Eye Cream and Launch of the Year. Both are available at Boots.

2012 Awards. Best Fragrance Launches. Jo Malone, Robert Piguet and Michael Kors.

I have had a bit of a love affair with fragrance this year. There was no choosing between these three. All of which I have worn consistently since receiving them. Sometimes together. First up - and this is in order of their release only - like I say, I can't pick..

is Jo Malone Velvet Rose and Oud. I absolutely love this - a very welcome addition to the Cologne Collection, it started life as a Limited Edition but very quickly became a must-have in the permanent range.
Smoky oud, Damask roses and a little clove and praline.  Beautiful.

Next up is Petit Fracas. A subtle take on the original iconic Fracas. Predictably for me, this is a jasmine, tuberose and gardenia heart over a musk and sandalwood base. Softer than the original but still strong enough to pack a punch, I have worn this almost every day since I came across it.

Bringing up the rear but by no means last is Michael Kors Rose Gold. This new release is a blend of pink pepper, waterlily, raspberry, peony, gardenia and yes - obviously - tuberose.

Its heavy, but not too heavy - and really soft once settled. Again - almost daily usage since it launched. This one is Limited Edition - get it while you can.

Jo Malone Velvet Rose And Oud is available here for £95.00.

Petit Fracas by Roger Piguet is available here priced £130.00

Michael Kors Rose Gold is available here priced £75.00

2012 Awards. Best New Makeup Launch. Clinique Chubby Stick Intense

The criteria for this one? This is the only new item of makeup that made it's way into my everyday-permanent-usage bag. 

A step up from the original Chubby Sticks, these are just that bit heavier, but still feel light and not at ALL sticky on the lips.

Chunkiest Chili looks gorgeous worn with a bun and minimal makeup.

And Mightiest Maraschino? Divine.

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense is my Best New Makeup Launch for 2012.

2012 Awards. Most Missed Brand. Kate Somerville.

Yes its all good and well smiling down on me looking all peachy-skinned and fabulous - but its really all a big wind-up ISN'T IT KATE?!

That's it - turn up for a while, give us this amazingness...

and this...

And I can't bring myself to mention this...

And then SOD OFF back to America?

Kate Somerville is my Most Missed Brand of 2012.

*throws self to the floor, begs for your return to the UK shores*

2012 Awards. Hand Cream of the Year. Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Correcting Hand Cream SPF 15.

I'm not going for an award-in-every-category this year. Just highlighting a few favourites that I've really enjoyed using in 2012.

Regular readers of this blog will know that I haven't always had a good relationship with the Clinique range. I think the 3 Step is in dire need of updating and Clarifying Lotion? No.

Having said that, I love this hand cream. It has become a staple. Oddly, I keep it on my bedside and use it in the evenings when I get into bed. I love the smell of SPF (I never said I was sane) and this absorbs really well, leaving no residue. You however, may want to take advantage of the SPF and use it during the day as is intended, like a sane person. Another tip - always rub the residue of your hand cream (and moisturiser!) on your elbows - always. I met Goldie Hawn in the 90's - she looked (and was) amazing but her elbows looked like lizard skin and completely gave away her age (sorry Goldie! Love you!).

*tips hat to Clinique, admits some of the skincare products are nice*

Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Correcting Hand Cream SPF 15 is my Hand Cream of the Year. 

Also possibly a contender for longest name of a product?

2012 Awards. Gadget Launch of the Year - ghd Air Hairdryer

I have never been in on the ghd scene. I don't own the straighteners - and I didn't know that ghd stood for Good Hair Day. Makes perfect sense though - I had an old boss that we privately nicknamed PBHD - stood for Perpetual Bad Hair Day (in our defense it was horrific). But ghd's? I wasn't on that bandwagon. Yes, if there was a hair-awareness rock - I would be under it. 

Until around a month ago when my hairdryer blew up in my hand - and I literally on the same day received an email from ghd asking if I would like to try their new Air hairdryer. If I'm honest, I said yes purely out of laziness. The timing was right is all. 

Thank GOD.

This little, stylish, compact machine has LITERALLY saved my hair. Killed my frizz. Halved the time it takes to dry. It's quick, quiet, comfortable in the hand and I am now aghast that I didn't upgrade my old (and I mean OLD) hairdryer sooner.

ghd Air Hairdryer is my Gadget of the Year.

*orders straighteners, gets on bandwagon*

*PR Sample - thank GOD.

Not an affiliate link.